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La Liga 2016-2017: Celta Vigo vs Malaga, Preview, Prediction & Predicted Lineup

| Jan 05, 2017 09:16 AM EST

Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas.

Middling squads Celta de Vigo (6-7-3, 21 points) and Malaga CF (5-5-6, 21 points) will both try to climb the 2016-2017 La Liga season standings as they face each other on Sunday, Jan. 8 at the Balaídos Stadium.

Start Time and Streaming Info

The game starts at 12:30 p.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru FuboTV.

Celta Vigo has been reeling as of late with three straight winless performances. The team had been winless in four of their last five matches to drop to the 13th spot of the current league table, nine points above the bottom three relegation area and seven points below the final Europa League qualifying slot presently held by sixth-running team Atletico Madrid.

Os Célticos is coming off a disappointing 1-2 loss to contending team Athletic Bilbao on the road at the San Mamés Stadium on Dec. 19, Press TV reported.

After a scoreless first half of action, Spanish striker Iago Aspas netted the opening goal in the 54th minute for head coach Eduardo Berizzo's side off an assist by Belgian forward Theo Bongonda.

The game seemed to be a clear win for Celta Vigo, but Argentine defender Facundo Roncaglia was sent off in the 80th minute after getting booked with a second yellow, allowing the hosts to gain a one-man advantage.

Los Leones then scored the last two goals of the game, courtesy of Aritz Aduriz and Mikel San Jose, to claim the victory and three points in the overall standings.

Meanwhile, Malaga extended their winless skid to three games after being routed by powerhouse team Sevilla, 1-4, on the road at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on Dec. 17, as per BBC Sport.

Sevilla netted the first four goals of the contest to zoom to a 4-0 lead before defender Adil Rami was sent off in the 61st minute.

It gave Malaga a one-man advantage, but head coach Marcelo Romero's squad was able to score only once afterward, a consolation goal by Spanish striker Sandro in the 64th minute.

Prediction and Predicted Lineup

The predicted result is a tough 2-1 decision for Celta Vigo.

Celta Vigo starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Blanco; Jonny, Fontas, Cabral, Mallo; Hernandez, Wass, Radoja; Bongonda, Aspas, Guidetti

Malaga starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Boyko; Ricca, Villanueva, Torres, Llorente; Juan Carlos, Juanpi; Fornals, Rosales, Camacho; Sandro

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